Specialist in fish diseases

Download: Specialist in fish diseases (PDF file)Based in Belgium, the company was founded in 1995 by Dr. Gerald Bassleer and his wife Angélique Gillhaus. In recent years Bassleer Biofish has become the largest wholesaler of ornamental fish in Belgium, specialising in quality, variety and service. "In addition to our activities in trading live stock, our company also sells books and DVDs on fish diseases," Dr. Bassleer states. "One of our bestsellers is the DVD 'The new illustrated guide to fish diseases' featuring 1 000 colour photographs." He is also producing his own line of fish food, "Dr. Bassleer's Biofish". Alongside these activities Gerald Bassleer is active as a consultant to other companies on matters of fish health management.Asked about the development of the ornamental fish health segment as a whole, Gerald Bassleer states: "In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for assistance in fish health management. Many companies involved with ornamental fish have learned that their profits are made from live and healthy fish. We are also involved in new genetic technology in the detection and diagnosis of fish diseases. We see a growth in service and consulting companies in the ornamental fish industry."Medicines and foodBassleer Biofish is the general distributor in the Belgian market for the German company Aquarium Münster. This company offers a wide range of fish medicines such as "Aquafuran" (Nifurpirinol) that acts as an antibiotic. The patented sachet medicine "Furamor-P" (multi-purpose treatment) is also a bestseller. Aquarium Münster launched a new antibiotic at the recent Interzoo: "Aquafloxin" (Sarofloxacin) works well against many common bacterial infections but especially against the big killer Columnaris disease.The company's own line of "Biofish" food is being expanded to include a new kind of flake food, baby food for breeders and chlorella algae food. "We expect the production and sale of quick tests for fish diseases," Dr. Gerald Bassleer continues. "First of all a KHV quick test is scheduled to be launched in the autumn of 2008. And for the beginning of next year, a new book 'A quick guide to fish diseases' is scheduled to be released."